Samples taken from Syrian ‘chemical attack’ site

CHEMICAL weapons inspectors have taken samples from the site of an alleged chemical attack in Syria to determine what further action should be taken.

AFP

News Corp Australia NetworkApril 22, 20187:47pm

Inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons have taken samples from Douma to test. Picture: AFPSource:AFP

INSPECTORS from the global chemical arms watchdog Saturday took samples in the Syrian town of Douma after an alleged poison gas attack, the body said.

A fact-finding mission from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) visited Douma “today to collect samples for analysis in connection with allegations of chemical weapons use on 7 April 2018. The OPCW will evaluate the situation and consider future steps including another possible visit to Douma,” the organisation said in a statement.

A view of the Eastern Ghouta town of Douma on the outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus. Picture: AFPSource:AFP

A team from the OPCW have been in Syria for a week but had not travelled to the city because of security fears.

“The security of the OPCW has been guaranteed not only by the Syrian side but also by the Russian command in Syria,” Russia said.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Picture: AFPSource:AFP

Dozens were killed in the suspected gas attack in Douma, near Damascus, on April 7, widely blamed on President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, according to emergency workers.

The Syrian government has consistently denied using chemical arms and invited the OPCW to investigate.

The Russian ministry said it expects the OPCW to carry out an “impartial investigation”.

“Especially since this is the first visit to the scene of a suspected chemical incident in the history of the so-called Syrian chemical record,” it said.